Experimental and theoretical anion binding studies on coumarin linked thiourea and urea molecules

► Coumarin linked thiourea and urea molecules have been designed and synthesized. ► F- and C6H5COO- anions are selectively recognized as reflected by significant change in emission as well as color. ► The coumarin-based ditopic urea receptor fluorometrically distinguishes isomeric aromatic dicarboxylates. ► Calculations have been carried out to determine the geometry and bonding of the complexes.